To engage in Istanbul implies dealing with many open questions. One example is the difficulty of defining public space due to complex historical conditioning and diversity. Different life forms and opposites exist in parallel; the historical and the contemporary city, tradition and modernity, periphery and centre. PUBLIC IDEA is linked to preliminary discussions concerning urbanism and transformation processes in a metropolis. The main focus is placed on the artists' perspectives and personal approaches towards the city.

Each project illuminates a different aspect of urban development and reveals a further understanding of the multiple identity of Istanbul. The different approaches are influenced by architectural, societal as well as historical and cultural aspects, exploring the city as a space of possibility.

5533 is a contemporary art space based in Istanbul. Founded by artists Nancy Atakan and Volkan Aslan, 5533 aims to create a platform where artists exchange ideas. Located in the Istanbul Textile Traders Market (İMÇ) in Unkapanı neighborhood, the space—formerly a shop—hosts workshops, screening, exhibitions, and performances on a sporadic basis. Each year 5533 invites a curator to work with the founders on a 12-month program—emphasizing two premises: collaborating with other artists/curators and operating without long-term plans.